Sri Lanka: Prez Sirisena to appoint committee on future of national unity Govt

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has decided to appoint a committee to decide on the future of the national unity Government.

The decision was reached last night following his meeting with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and cabinet ministers. A minister said that several matters were discussed and the final decision was to appoint a committee to decide on the best way forward.

The decision came following a crisis situation where President’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) demanded resignation of Prime minister who is also leader of United National Party (UNP).

The latter refused saying it can form a government of its own. Some SLFP members also claimed to form their own government, with the help of faction led by former President Mahinda Rajapakse, whose alliance won majority seats in local body elections held last week.

In the 225 member Parliament, UNP has 104 members. However, SLFP having 95 members is divided between factions led by President and former President.